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"Blue Laws". Which state is the strictest?

Started by OCGuy81, February 03, 2021, 01:21:02 PM

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jakeroot

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 09, 2021, 07:12:44 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 09, 2021, 06:52:37 PM
What are the numbers above? (3.2, 4, etc)

Alcohol by volume.

Oh sorry, poorly worded question. But thank you for the response.

I meant to add *as it relates to laws*.


SD Mapman

Quote from: jayhawkco on February 04, 2021, 12:57:22 PM
In a Kansas liquor store, prior to 2019, you could ONLY buy liquor, beer, or wine.  Things like sweet & sour, margarita mix, etc. that don't have any alcohol had to be sold in a separate space with a separate entrance and cash register.
In Wyoming, they sell liquor in grocery stores, but only in a completely enclosed space with their own cash registers. In South Dakota we don't have any of that nonsense.
The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see. - G.K. Chesterton

JayhawkCO

Quote from: jakeroot on February 09, 2021, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 09, 2021, 07:12:44 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 09, 2021, 06:52:37 PM
What are the numbers above? (3.2, 4, etc)

Alcohol by volume.

Oh sorry, poorly worded question. But thank you for the response.

I meant to add *as it relates to laws*.

In Minnesota, and other states prior, you can buy full strength beer at liquor stores, but only 3.2% at grocery stores or convenience stores.  Obviously that limits the craft beer selections available.

Chris

jakeroot

Quote from: jayhawkco on February 09, 2021, 11:05:47 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 09, 2021, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 09, 2021, 07:12:44 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 09, 2021, 06:52:37 PM
What are the numbers above? (3.2, 4, etc)

Alcohol by volume.

Oh sorry, poorly worded question. But thank you for the response.

I meant to add *as it relates to laws*.

In Minnesota, and other states prior, you can buy full strength beer at liquor stores, but only 3.2% at grocery stores or convenience stores.  Obviously that limits the craft beer selections available.

Chris

Oh, I see. That's kind of strange. Seems kind of confusing if you're just looking to buy *beer* but you're not really concerned with alcohol content.

gonealookin

Quote from: Plutonic Panda on February 08, 2021, 07:53:08 PM
I do wish they would follow Nevada and allow any alcohol to be sold anywhere and 24 hours a day.

Nevada does have two (very small) dry towns though:  Panaca and Alamo, both along US 93 in Lincoln County north of Las Vegas.

Quote from: Lincoln County Code
4-1-9: LOCATION OF LIQUOR ESTABLISHMENTS:

D.   Town Of Alamo: It is unlawful for any licensee under the provisions of this chapter, to sell alcoholic beverages in the town limits of the town of Alamo; provided however, this restriction shall not apply to licensees or places of business selling alcoholic liquors in an approved location prior to November 25, 1985, or to licensees engaged in the business of selling alcoholic liquors in an approved location which would become a prohibited location by reason of the expansion of the town limits of Alamo.

E.   Town Of Panaca: It is unlawful for any licensee under the provisions of this chapter, to sell alcoholic beverages in the town limits of the town of Panaca, or within one-half (1/2) mile of the town limits of the town of Panaca; provided however, this restriction shall not apply to licensees or places of business selling alcoholic liquors in an approved location prior to December 12, 1986, or to licensees engaged in the business of selling alcoholic liquors in an approved location which would become a prohibited location by reason of the expansion of the town limits of Panaca. (Ord. 2008-04, 12-15-2008, eff. 7-1-2009)

More famously, Boulder City was dry for several decades' worth of fatal drunk driving collisions along the Boulder Highway between there and Las Vegas.  The sale of alcohol was legalized in Boulder City in 1969.

TheHighwayMan3561

#55
Once MN stood alone in the 3.2% department it sent off a mild embarrassment panic with some state legislators. We were also late to the game on Sunday alcohol sales (though 3.2 you could get at grocery/convenience stores was always allowed to be sold on Sundays with modified hours).

Despite our reputation as a solid blue stronghold, you'd be surprised how deep the social conservatism runs outside the metro in both parties. There's really no appetite for legalized pot in either party; for fuck's sake South Dakota was going to have us beat except for the efforts of Noem and a couple embarrassed high level SD officials to get the legalized pot vote overturned in court.
self-certified as the dumbest person on this board for 5 years running

GCrites

So my main takeaway from this thread so far is if you want to force change in alcohol laws get the NFL involved.

OCGuy81

Quote from: GCrites80s on February 10, 2021, 12:06:17 PM
So my main takeaway from this thread so far is if you want to force change in alcohol laws get the NFL involved.

Or host the Olympics. The 2002 winter games had Utah relax their stringent liquor laws a bit.

andy3175

Looks like Wyoming is eligible to sell Samuel Adams Utopias, which is notable for being a 25.4% alcohol by volume beer.

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2021/09/20/sam-adams-releases-25-4-alcohol-beer-illegal-in-15-states-but-legal-in-wyoming/

QuoteThe lack of regulation on the amount of alcohol in beer sold in Wyoming means that the new Samuel Adams "Utopias"  beer is legal in the Cowboy state.

Not so in 15 other states where the 25.4% alcohol level is too high for it to be sold.

Last week, Samuel Adams' announced the latest incarnation of its "Utopias"  beer will be released on Oct. 11. The special brews are released every two years and this batch, the brewery said, is made with thousands of pounds of cherries and the highly-coveted "Balaton"  fruit – which is another type of cherry – and foodies love it.

The reason it's making news, however, is due to its alcohol content. At 25.4%, it's six times what the average beer holds. ...

The states which don't allow the beer include:  Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia.
Regards,
Andy

www.aaroads.com

jeffandnicole

Quote from: andy3175 on October 17, 2021, 11:44:25 PM
Looks like Wyoming is eligible to sell Samuel Adams Utopias, which is notable for being a 25.4% alcohol by volume beer.

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2021/09/20/sam-adams-releases-25-4-alcohol-beer-illegal-in-15-states-but-legal-in-wyoming/

QuoteThe lack of regulation on the amount of alcohol in beer sold in Wyoming means that the new Samuel Adams "Utopias"  beer is legal in the Cowboy state.

Not so in 15 other states where the 25.4% alcohol level is too high for it to be sold.

Last week, Samuel Adams' announced the latest incarnation of its "Utopias"  beer will be released on Oct. 11. The special brews are released every two years and this batch, the brewery said, is made with thousands of pounds of cherries and the highly-coveted "Balaton"  fruit – which is another type of cherry – and foodies love it.

The reason it's making news, however, is due to its alcohol content. At 25.4%, it's six times what the average beer holds. ...

The states which don't allow the beer include:  Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia.

I half think Sam Adam's does this as free publicity, since they sell it every few years and the same stories are repeated every few years...with "Sam Adams" being a very relevant part of that story.

US71

Arkansas used to be very strict, but Walmart started nibbling the edges, so to speak. Instead of closing on Sunday, they started roping off aisles in their stores (this was before the Supercenters appeared).
Like Alice I Try To Believe Three Impossible Things Before Breakfast

ErmineNotyours

Quote from: jayhawkco on February 04, 2021, 12:57:22 PM
My favorite weird liquor laws:

In a Kansas liquor store, prior to 2019, you could ONLY buy liquor, beer, or wine.  Things like sweet & sour, margarita mix, etc. that don't have any alcohol had to be sold in a separate space with a separate entrance and cash register.

Banks still won't allow pot sales on credit and debit cards, so one marijuana store near me has a part that just sells pot, and a separate entrance in the building to a store that sells paraphernalia, and presumably accepts plastic.

TheHighwayMan3561

Quote from: ErmineNotyours on October 24, 2021, 02:53:44 PM
Banks still won't allow pot sales on credit and debit cards, so one marijuana store near me has a part that just sells pot, and a separate entrance in the building to a store that sells paraphernalia, and presumably accepts plastic.

This is because marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. Banks don't want to get tangled up in any legal messes that could ensue.
self-certified as the dumbest person on this board for 5 years running

abefroman329

Quote from: ErmineNotyours on October 24, 2021, 02:53:44 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on February 04, 2021, 12:57:22 PM
My favorite weird liquor laws:

In a Kansas liquor store, prior to 2019, you could ONLY buy liquor, beer, or wine.  Things like sweet & sour, margarita mix, etc. that don't have any alcohol had to be sold in a separate space with a separate entrance and cash register.

Banks still won't allow pot sales on credit and debit cards, so one marijuana store near me has a part that just sells pot, and a separate entrance in the building to a store that sells paraphernalia, and presumably accepts plastic.
One dispensary here will accept debit cards, but they can only run the charge in five-dollar increments, so if you're buying, say, $20.01 worth of cannabis, then they'll debit your debit card for $25 and give you $4.99 in cash.

Another uses this third-party platform called CanPay, where you provide a QR code that they can scan and then the money is directly debited from your bank account.

I don't know how either one helps get around federal banking laws, but they're a hell of a lot more convenient than carrying around cash.

Scott5114

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 24, 2021, 03:30:40 PM
Quote from: ErmineNotyours on October 24, 2021, 02:53:44 PM
Banks still won't allow pot sales on credit and debit cards, so one marijuana store near me has a part that just sells pot, and a separate entrance in the building to a store that sells paraphernalia, and presumably accepts plastic.

This is because marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. Banks don't want to get tangled up in any legal messes that could ensue.

Yes and no...I've found out there are some state-chartered banks in Oklahoma that will open accounts for cannabis businesses. If the bank says "federal" or "national" in the name, though, that's a no-go.
uncontrollable freak sardine salad chef

hbelkins

I'd think if the weed business is cash-only, that'd be a bit dangerous for the employee designated to take the day's proceeds to the bank after closing every evening. The less cash a business has to handle through the use of plastic or electronic payment systems, the less risk involved.

Any reason these businesses couldn't use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or one of those services if they have trouble finding credit card processors?


Government would be tolerable if not for politicians and bureaucrats.

abefroman329

Quote from: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 09:48:09 AM
I'd think if the weed business is cash-only, that'd be a bit dangerous for the employee designated to take the day's proceeds to the bank after closing every evening. The less cash a business has to handle through the use of plastic or electronic payment systems, the less risk involved.

Every dispensary I've been to in IL has had security systems that rival those in casinos. 

Quote from: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 09:48:09 AMAny reason these businesses couldn't use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or one of those services if they have trouble finding credit card processors?

Those would still be interstate transactions.

There's also the fact that banks don't want to do business with cash-intensive businesses, since that requires mountains of paperwork to ensure both parties are compliant with anti-money laundering regulations.  Of course, the only reason they are cash-intensive is because that's their only option...

hbelkins

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 25, 2021, 10:02:54 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 09:48:09 AM
I'd think if the weed business is cash-only, that'd be a bit dangerous for the employee designated to take the day's proceeds to the bank after closing every evening. The less cash a business has to handle through the use of plastic or electronic payment systems, the less risk involved.

Every dispensary I've been to in IL has had security systems that rival those in casinos. 

But those security systems wouldn't stop someone from clubbing the courier over the head when they're getting in their vehicle to drive to the bank, or doing something to force them to stop while on the road, or waylaying them when they get to the bank to do the night deposit.


Government would be tolerable if not for politicians and bureaucrats.

kalvado

Quote from: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 01:33:50 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 25, 2021, 10:02:54 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 09:48:09 AM
I'd think if the weed business is cash-only, that'd be a bit dangerous for the employee designated to take the day's proceeds to the bank after closing every evening. The less cash a business has to handle through the use of plastic or electronic payment systems, the less risk involved.

Every dispensary I've been to in IL has had security systems that rival those in casinos. 

But those security systems wouldn't stop someone from clubbing the courier over the head when they're getting in their vehicle to drive to the bank, or doing something to force them to stop while on the road, or waylaying them when they get to the bank to do the night deposit.
I am sure moving large amounts of cash is nothing new. Once in a while I can see armored vehicles which serve businesses, including servicing ATMs. There should be standard precautions, including a second person watching from the safety of armored cabin, having handguns ready, and what not. Much safer than using employees to handle everything, and probably comes with insurance.
Those services may be pricey, but after all that is just a cost of doing business.   

jakeroot

Coming from someone living in an area with a high number of recreational dispensaries: robberies are very much a real threat, and they are far more prone to robberies than the average "less than $100 in register" type of business.

That said, robberies overall seem quite rare. They are often very busy, so pulling off a midday robbery would be really hard without people stepping in to stop the robbery. I can't imagine they'd lock up after a day with tons of cash on-site either.

Maybe they have a dozen different CITs throughout the day that never have enough cash to justify going full-armed robbery.

hbelkins

I'm not sure how those businesses work, but in many cases in other businesses, employees take the day's cash proceeds to the bank after the business closes for the day. They don't want to keep it on the premises overnight.


Government would be tolerable if not for politicians and bureaucrats.

abefroman329

Quote from: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 09:24:54 PM
I'm not sure how those businesses work, but in many cases in other businesses, employees take the day's cash proceeds to the bank after the business closes for the day. They don't want to keep it on the premises overnight.

(a) When I said "security systems" yesterday, I meant that to include the use of security guards.  Even the "mom and pop" dispensary a few blocks away has at least 2-3 visible security guards, and probably more that are out of sight.

(b) In all likelihood, the cash is deposited nightly in a bank.  Businesses that are cash-intensive also have the option of arranging for Brink's or another service to pick up the cash, and some banks offer a service where the cash is considered to be "deposited" as soon as it's handed over to the service.

Scott5114

Quote from: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 01:33:50 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 25, 2021, 10:02:54 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 09:48:09 AM
I'd think if the weed business is cash-only, that'd be a bit dangerous for the employee designated to take the day's proceeds to the bank after closing every evening. The less cash a business has to handle through the use of plastic or electronic payment systems, the less risk involved.

Every dispensary I've been to in IL has had security systems that rival those in casinos. 

But those security systems wouldn't stop someone from clubbing the courier over the head when they're getting in their vehicle to drive to the bank, or doing something to force them to stop while on the road, or waylaying them when they get to the bank to do the night deposit.

Now imagine how much fun a transporter (the person who delivers the product from the grow to the dispensary, and returns the cash from the dispensary to the grow) gets to have.
uncontrollable freak sardine salad chef

Concrete Bob

Here in California, the dispensaries are limited to "cash only" sales.  My "to go" dispensary has an ATM on premises.  Being a "Boomer Luddite," I go to my bank's ATM to withdraw cash, in order to avoid extra usage charges for using the ATM, in addition to the charges by my banking institution, prior to hitting the dispensary.     

Back to the "Blue Laws."  In May 2000, I took a three day road trip that involved an overnight stay in Salt Lake City.  After eleven hours of driving, I settled into a hotel near the Salt Lake City airport for the evening.  I was parched, and needed some beer to cool off and relax for the evening. So, I walked across the street to the Phillips 66 for a six pack of Leinenkugel Beer, a rarity in California, but apparently available in the Beehive State.  I took the six pack into my room, and filled the bathroom sink with ice.  Then, I put the bottles in the sink and let them get good and cold. 

Then, I ordered room service for dinner.  I had a beer while I was waiting for my dinner to be delivered.  I had two more with my dinner.  I had one more after dinner, and realized I wasn't experiencing that perfect "Four Beer Buzz."  I looked at the label of my Leinenkugel and realized the beer was 3.2.  So, I drank the remaining two beers quickly, and finally obtained that perfect "Four Beer Buzz."  Then, I went to sleep. 

The next day, I drove across four state lines, winding up in Moses Lake, Washington for the evening.  I clinched I-90 in Idaho and Washington that weekend. 

3.2 beer is great if taking leaks constantly is anyone's idea of a hobby or competitive sport. 


Rothman

Trying to wrap my head around hydration through beer...
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